The police on Thursday, charged a 25-year-old woman, Muslim Adam before a Dutse Magistrates’ Court in Abuja over alleged failure to produce a suspect she stood as a surety for.

Adam who lives in Gwagwa, Abuja is standing trial on a charge bordering on the offence, and pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Ogehenekaro Agbodo, told the court that on July 24, the complainant, Fidausi Adam, also of Gwagwa, Abuja reported the matter at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Gwagwa.

She alleged that sometime in June, the defendant came to the police station to stand as surety for the defendant Balki Rabiu who a nominal complainant supplied goods worth N1.5 million

Ms Agbodo alleged that after the goods were supplied to Rabiu, she failed to pay for them and so was arrested by the police following the report.

She alleged that the suspect was released on bail after the defendant stood as a surety for her.

“The suspect has since absconded and every attempt to locate her has proved abortive and that was why the defendant was arrested and charged to court,” Ms Agbodo said.

The offence contravenes the provision of section 167 of the Penal Code.

The Magisterate, Ibrahim Alkali, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of one million naira with two sureties in like sum.

He ordered that the sureties must have reliable means of identification and must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

Mr Alkali adjourned the matter until September 28 for hearing.

(NAN)